Picture frame having a sound track thereon



U8 18, l1942. D. H. MITCHELL 2,293,301

PICTURE FRAMIEI` HVING A SIOUND TRACK THEREON Filed Oct. 4, 1940 fig/@ff Patented ug. 18, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PICTURE RALIE HAVING A SOUND TRAC/Kr! THEREON.,

Donald il. Mitchell, Chicago, Ill. Application october 4, 1949, serial No. 359,759 s claims. (cl. 274-42) The present invention relates generally to photographs and the like, and more particularly to the provision of a method ,for using the same to transmit a personalized message. or greeting.

An object of the present invention is to provide a method oi associating a sound track with a phoso as to provide with the picture a personalized message or greeting. y

Another object is to provide a sound track on a picture and frame device in a manner so that it will not interfere with the decorative scheme on the frame, and as a matter of fact, actually enhances the'beauty of the entire device.

One of the features of my invention is the provision of a photograph and the like in a frame structure which is capable of taking a sound track to record a message or greeting to accompany the photograph.

A further feature of my invention is the provision of a picture frame capable of having a sound track applied thereto from any recording device, and then capable of being carried on an ordinary phonograph so that the sound track may be played, or reproduced.

Still another feature is the provision of a sound track applied to a transparent plastic that may be used instead of glass to protect the photograph.

Other objects and features of my invention will be apparent from the following description taken with the drawing, in which:

Fig. -1 is an elevational view of a photograph and frame showing the sound track impressed on the covering for the photograph and employed as a decorative border about the portrait;

Fig. 2 is 'a partial enlarged section thereof taken along the line 2-2 of Figi. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 3 is a view in elevation of another embodiment of my invention wherein the sound track is applied to an insert in the frame;

Fig. 4 is a partial Asection of the same taken along the line 4--4 of Fig.` 3 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 5 is a view in elevation of another embodiment of my invention'wherein the sound track is applied to the rim of the complete frame structure; and l c Fig. 6 is a partial section of the device of Fig. 5

5 along the line 6-6 of Fig. 5 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 'l is a fragmentary enlarged sectional View of a photograph with a dipped or sprayed covering of plastic material capable of taking a sound 10 track.

In practicing my method of transmitting a personal sound message with a photograph, I cut a sound track in a plastic material associated with the photograph in the frame structure or covering therefor, and provide such structure so that it may be readily supported on a recording device, or a phonograph device. yThe audible personal message carries much more appeal and personality than written greetings which have been used heretofore with photographs. Furthermore, it

expresses together with the photograph a more complete conception of the sender and permits expression of sentiments which are only decipherable when placed on a reproducing device, and

hence may be made more personal. In addition to this advantage, the structure of my invention can actually add a decorative appeal to the cornplete structure.

Referring now to the drawing and particularly Figs. 1 and 2, the reference character I0 designates a rectangularly-shaped photograph frame ofV any usual or well-known type having in this case inwardly extending flanges along three sides thereof. The back flange l2 along one side thereof being omitted to permit sliding insertion of a rectangularly shaped transparent plastic cover I3 which may be substituted for the usual glass. The plastic I3 is provided with a circular sound track I4 of sufficient diameter so that it acts as a decorative border or frame for the portrait or photograph I5 mounted within the frame immediately below the plastic. The sound track I4 corresponds in cross-sectional width with the length of the message or greeting recorded thereon, depending likewise, as is understood from the drawing, upon the desired outside and inside diameters of the entire track. That is, when applying the sound track carrying the message on the plastic cover I3, the cutter ispositioned on the plastic member so that ample allowance is made for the length of the message, 'and yet have the track provide a decorative border when coml pleted A rectangular backing member I6 of cardboard or other suitable material acts as protection for the photograph and is secured in position bythe photograph backing member I'I which may be provided with the usual hinged member I8 suitably attached thereto in position to support the picture in a well-known manner. An opening I9 is provided in the hinged member i as well as the backing member I'I to receive the spindle of the turntable of any usual recording or reproducing machine. It is necessary thatgthe hinged member I8 and the backing member I be of such thickness as to receive the turntable spindle without it contacting the filler member' it which protects the photograph i5, and certainly without contacting the photograph itself. It is also necessary that the openings I9 through the backing member I1, and hinged member I8 be so positioned as to constitute the center of the sound track I4.

Any desired message may be recorded on the sound track I4 by using the usual recording device after the frame is placed in position on the turntable thereof and the cutting needle applied to the plastic to cut the usual grooves.

'I'his message may be reproduced at any time desired by the recipient of the photograph by placing it on the turntable of any usual reproducing machine or phonograph. At all other times the soundtrack I4 appears merely as a decorative border or frameon the plastic, lens, or covering for the picture wherein it may be subdued or accentuated by proper background treatment of the photograph itself.

Obviously the cover I3 might be made of glass and the sound track I4 cut in a member of suitable plastic material and secured in position thereon by any suitable means.

A diierent embodiment of my invention is shown in Figs. 3 and 4 wherein I employ a rectangularly shaped mask 2@ to carry the sound track I4. The mask 2c is formed of suitable plastic material adapted to take the sound track I4 and the recording desired. rihis mask has preferably a circular opening 2i cut therein to expose the photograph I. Zin this instance it is not necessary to use a transparent plastic for the mask and pleasing colored plastic material, or a colored background to which transparent sound track material is applied, may be used.

Another embodiment of my invention is shown in Figs. 5 and 6 wherein the sound track it is cut directly in the rim 25 itself ci the complete frame device. This treatment is particularly eiective where a circular frame is employed as shown in Fig. 5. Legs 25 support the photograph in position in cooperation with the hinged member I8 secured to the backing member il. The embodiments o! my invention shown in Figs. 3 to 6 inclusive are used in identically the same manner as the one shown in Figs. i and 2 and heretofore described.

My invention readily adapts itseli for use in personalized Christmas or greeting cards, as well as for advertising, or political campaigns. In this connection a somewhat modified form would probably be more readily adaptable for mass production by eliminating the frame rim and pasting the photograph inside the sound track isi on the plastic I3 of Fig. i and securing the fillerl .member I6 and backing member il thereto by appropriate means so that sutlicient thickness is provided to make it possible to position the device cna `turntable spindle. Furthermore e. decal- \comanla transfer might be employed, and applied directly to the sound track material.

-On the matter of pictures and trames, with the latter composed entirely oi transparent plastic material as I3, this can be provided in the shape oi an envelope into which the photograph can be inserted. This is illustrated in Fig. 2 with the member I3 serving as one side of the envelope, and the member I3 as the other side, with the two sides being suitably cemented together as shown at the right hand side of Fig. 2. So far as the structure of Figs. 1 and 2 are concerned. a single member I3 can be used to cover the photographin the same manner as glass, or if desired the photograph can first be slipped into the envelope and the`latter `positioned in the rigid frame. The sound track I4 is applied as shown in Fig. 1. When the envelope is provided apart from a rigid frame, in order to make the recording and then play the same, a block, or plate thick enough to t over the turntable is provided. The sound track I4 can serve as a decorative frame or border on the material covering the picture or photograph. Means are provided on the back to releasably hold the envelope, and the blocks are of such shape and type that many different envelopes can be positioned one at a time on the block.

In addition to the above, and as illustrated in Fig. 7, the photograph I5 may be sprayed with a sound track receiving plastic 29, or dipped into the plastic to provide a covering 29-29. The sound track Ill is applied as previously discussed.

It is obvious that my invention is peculiarly adapted to transmit powerful personal and effective messages since thephotograph conveys the personal likeness, and the sound track the personal voice.

Various other methods of recording and reproduction can also be employed all to provide the picture and message as described above.

My invention may be variously modified without departing from the spirit and scope thereof as indicated in the appended claims.

E claim:

i. A frame having a picture therein and having a peripheral rim portion on one side thereof, a .picture hacllzing portion carried on the opposite side of said frame and having a center-pin re ceiving opening therein, and picture covering means supported between said frame rim portion and backing portion, with the portion of said picture covering means within the connues of said peripheral rim portion having a sound recording thereon. Y

2. A frame having a Ipicture therein and having a peripheral rim portion on one side thereof. a picture backing portion carried on the opposite side oi said frame and having a center-pin receiving opening therein which is conned to said portion, and transparent imperiorate picture covering means supported between said frame rim portion and said backing portion, with a portion oi said transparent picture covering means Within the connes of said peripheral rim portion having a sound recording thereon.

3. A frame having a picture therein and having a peripheral rim portion on one side thereof, a picture backing part carried'on the opposite side of said frame and having a center-pin receiving opening therein which is confined to said part, and an imperiorate picture covering portion supported between said frame rim portion and backing part, with one of said two portions having a sound recording thereon. y

4. A frame having apicture therein and having a .peripheral rim portion on one side thereof, a picture backing portion carried on the opposite side ci said frame and having a center-pin receiving opening therein which is entirely conned `to said backing portion, said peripheral rim portion being concentric with said pin receiving opening and having a. sound recording thereon.

5. A frame having a picture therein and having a picturebacking portion thereon at the back of the picture, said portion havingv a center-pin receiving opening therein which is confined-- encording thereon.

tirely` to said portion, with said trame having a substantial portion thereof concentric with the pin receiving opening, and with s aid substantial portion including a rim portion and a mask .portion, with said mask portion having a sound re- DONALD H. MITCHELL. 

